The Friends of Ambler Farm (FOAF) will celebrate its founding 10 years ago on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 6:30pm – 11:00pm at a gala with a special “Once Upon a Farm” theme. Guests will enjoy dinner, a live auction and dancing with music by local band Otis and the Hurricanes at the Silver Spring Country Club in Ridgefield.
During the evening, the many people who have worked so hard to preserve this ‘town treasure’ will be honored. From the fun fall festival, dubbed Ambler Farm Day, to the popular summer and apprentice programs, Ambler has offered so many special things to the Wilton community and beyond.
Organizers are delighted to celebrate how far the FOAF has come and to share what they plan to achieved. Proceeds from the event’s fundraising efforts, including a unique and “tempting” live auction, will support Ambler Farm’s educational programs and the final phase of reconstruction of the 200-year-old Raymond Ambler Farmhouse.
Tickets are $250.00 each and can be purchased online.
One of the evening’s highlights will be a select few “dream-come-true” live auction items for guests to bid on. Imagine the possibilities of these extraordinary packages:
The Magic of Africa
A once-in-a-lifetime tantalizing taste of the wild in the heart of South Africa’s richest conservation region. The package includes a six-night stay at the eco-friendly Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge, with three meals and two game viewing drives per day. This luxurious setting hosts elegant, colonial-style accommodations and the finest comfort and hospitality. Cool lounges, wide verandas and sparkling swimming pools make being “in camp” a relaxing and pleasurable experience. Valid for two years.
Prize donated by Zulu Nyala Tours.
The Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain
You will be treated like royalty with a one-year membership to this private ski and golf club located in the tranquil mountains of Deerfield Valley in Vermont, a three-hour drive from Wilton. The Hermitage Club is an exclusive, four-season, private club community celebrating the outdoors and family fun. The Club is a 1,400-acre safe, secure playground offering activities that range from Alpine skiing and snowboarding to cross country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing, to 18-hole golf on a Desmond Muirhead-designed course. Other amenities include access to the new 80,000 sq. ft. club house, which includes a restaurant and bar, locker rooms, spa and fitness center, child care center, snow sports school, movie theater, bowling alley and arcade. Truly a winter playground for the entire family and did we mention, no lift lines?
Prize donated by The Hermitage Club.
Happily Ever After All-Inclusive ⎯ Grand Luxury and Adventure in Big Sky Country
Located in one of Montana’s most pristine valleys, The Ranch at Rock Creek provides the definitive “glamping” experience. Enjoy awe-inspiring views, lavish amenities and inspired Ranch cuisine with an all-inclusive three-night stay for two at The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana. Two on-ranch guided activities and gear per day are also included, as well as ground transportation to and from Missoula, Butte or Helena Airports. Also included are two round trip tickets anywhere JetBlue Airways flies. (Not valid Dec. 21, 2015– Jan. 2, 2016 and June 10, 2016 – Sept. 5, 2016. Expires Dec. 22, 2016.)
Prizes donated by The Ranch at Rock Creek and JetBlue Airways
About Ambler Farm
The mission of Ambler Farm is to enrich the Wilton community through celebration of our agrarian heritage, active learning programs, sustainable agricultural practices and historic appreciation. Amber Farm is one of the last surviving examples of farm life in Fairfield County. It was built in the 1790s by Revolutionary War veteran Josiah Raymond and was continuously owned and occupied by his descendants by birth and marriage for 200 years. In 1998, when Betty, the last surviving Ambler, passed away at the age of 79, Ambler Farm had dwindled from 300 acres to a mere 22.
In 1999, the Town of Wilton, with overwhelming taxpayer support, purchased this beautiful working farm as part of the open-space initiative. The complex consisted of historic houses, barns and various out-buildings, all in need of substantial restoration and maintenance. The Town appointed a steering committee to consider the farm’s future and, from this committee, a non-profit group called the Friends of Ambler Farm was formed. Over the past ten years, this group has developed an engaging array of programs for the entire community. Ambler Farm today is an active place with productive gardens, a successful farm stand, numerous educational programs for children, adults and families, and events for the community throughout the year. The farm is a place “where good things grow” — a place to connect with the magic of the land and the spirit of the community.
Pictured are (left to right) Friends of Ambler Farm (FOAF) “Once Upon a Farm” 10th Anniversary co-chairs: Alison Semple, Jennifer Hulse and Kelly Lash.
1:30 p.m. UPDATE: The original article included starting bid prices for the auction packages but they were removed as event organizers said they may not yet be finalized.